The "Rant" Thread

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I'll be honest, I really didn't know where else to put this. I doubt it will help anyone get into college, and I don't think it will provide you any answers to your questions.</p>

<p>But sometimes, with admissions, stress and anxiety running as high as they are among students these days, sometimes you just gotta let off alittle steam. Some do it through sports. Other's through hitting their little brother. But here's my attempt via the interwebz. Here it goes.</p>

<p>ahem.</p>

<p>My junior year at a competitive public high school in San Jose, California I signed up for 3 AP's; AP English Language, AP U.S. History and AP Environmental Science. My plan was to take those three junior year, then AP Calculus AB, AP English Literature, AP MacroEconomics, and AP Physics or Bio my senior year (aka right now).</p>

<p>I thought that would broaden my scope of potential college majors by allowing me to explore areas that I was interested in, show that I was willing to challenge myself in high school, and clear some requirements while I was at it.</p>

<p>Sounds good right? Simple? I thought it would be too.</p>

<p>But when I got my junior year schedule I only found I had been put down for 2 AP classes; English and History. APES was missing. In it's place was Physiology, an interesting but ultimately useless science class that wasn't weighted at all. I submitted schedule change requests. 4 separate times. All were denied telling me that there was absolutely no way that I could change without losing one or both of my other AP classes and possibly more. Keep in mind this happened during my junior year in high school; arguably the most important year. And they couldn't even find me an honors science course either.</p>

<p>I was angry. Not only because of the screw up, but because of the 3 I had signed up for, APES was the most interesting to me, considering I loved science. Instead, I struggled my way through AP U.S. History and English only to get B's in both. Meanwhile, I had friends who were taking honors and AP sciences (INCLUDING APES) who didn't even sign up for the classes who were bragging about how easy they were, learning the material and getting the grades I tried for so much.</p>

<p>Not only that, but I had a rough sophomore year thanks to familial issues and depression. If there was one year I needed AP courses to get a grade bump in, it was this one. Unfortunately that's exactly what DIDN'T happen.</p>

<p>I was angry, mostly at myself, so I tried to make up for it by taking a physics and calculus course over the summer. Show that I was still dedicated to learning and improving myself. But instead, I got denied physics form my local community college because I was a high school student and got lowest priority from one of the highly impacted ccc classes. I did get calculus, but the teacher spoke ABSOLUTELY NO ENGLISH so I tried to get tutoring or help from the school, and they said that they could not provide any unless I could pay them lots of money I didn't have or if I was a full-time student. So the summer courses went to waste.</p>

<p>But senior year was coming up; one last chance to redeem myself. Seniors had to get priority right? There was no way I wasn't going to get the classes I had signed up for. WRONG.</p>

<p>I got Lit and Macro, but instead of Bio or Physics I got AP Environmental Science (The one I wanted last year) and AP Statistics, which doesn't even feel like a legitamate math course. Once again I tried to transfer out. Multiple times. Once again, the answer was no every time.</p>

<p>I tried to take calc or physics at the ccc again, but by the time I had gotten my senior schedule, the window for applying for ccc classes had shut down.</p>

<p>I tried to ask my school guidance counselor if I could take online classes, but she said that they are pointless for sciences like physics or bio since they don't come with a lab and my school wouldn't accept them. I couldn't find any online courses for calc.</p>

<p>I don't mean to sound like a cynical person or someone who is blaming the world for his problems; I'll admit I've made a fair share of mistakes on my own throughout high school, but I just can't help feeling that I've been completely screwed over throughout my high school career.</p>

<p>My dream school entering freshman year was UCLA. Now I've actually considered going back to that community college as an actual student out of high school.</p>

<p>The worst part? This year, in my senior schedule, I HAVE AN EMPTY SLOT. Yep. A giant hole where I have no classes. And yet, my administrators STILL won't let me fill it with a double science or math or even an art class because they said it's not fair to other students. I just don't understand how to someone who is legitamately interested in new material how they can say no to a request like that. So I sit there, doing my homework for my easier classes, wishing every day there was a way I could challenge myself and take courses that were more interesting to me.</p>

<p>I love learning, and science and math. When I went into high school I thought I was going to be an engineer of some sort. But now, it looks like I might just graduate with no calculus or physics on my transcript. Essential subjects not only for engineers, but dozens of other potential majors as well.</p>

<p>My parents and guidance counselors are trying to calm me down by saying that I can just take them in college and that it won't make a huge deal, but I don't think they really get it; I didn't just sign up for those other classes just for credits or to look good, but I legitamately like to learn. I'm a very studious and geeky person who loves to challenge myself in new ways and keep busy.</p>

<p>And yet it seems that every time I try to, some curveball gets thrown my way. I've been trying to keep pushing on with my life, find some way to improve myself and prove not only to colleges but myself as well that I have what it takes, but with every passing day I sit in my easier-than-anticipated classes that it just feels more and more hopeless.</p>

<p>Upon leaving middle school a teacher said he couldn't see me anywhere other than UCLA or Berkeley. With less than a year left of high school, I've begun to consider De Anza and Foothill Community Colleges.</p>

<p>Again, I don't mean to sound like I'm just blaming the world or the people around me, but at the same time, I just feel absolutely crushed.</p>

<p>Well, my rants over. Any thoughts or follow-up-rants? Feel free to post em here. I'll listen to yours cause you listened to mine :)</p>

2

<p>Oh, thank god for this thread. Mind if I hijack for a slightly shorter rant?</p>

<p>I was heading downstairs to tell my parents something funny I saw. However, they have this really stupid rule that I have to be in the same room to talk to them for some dumb reason. I got my mom’s attention, and instead of going “What?” like a normal person, she instead flips out on me about how “you weren’t in the room!”, despite me calmly explaining that I just wanted to get her attention. I just told her that I didn’t feel like arguing with her and just walked away, and she tells me that she’s never doing anything special for me again.</p>

<p>OK, crazy parent, right? Let’s keep going…</p>

<p>I fired back a slightly snarky comment (I’m sorry, but when anyone tries to be rude/mean/snarky to me while yelling at me, I’m not going to let myself get walked over, even if it’s with my parents). Instead of the usual “don’t back talk” speech I get maybe 1-3 times a month (keep in mind today was a really long day for me), she starts yelling at me and calls me an ungrateful brat who doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I “apologized” later, but now, instead of talking about it, she says she’s not going to speak to me again for awhile.</p>

<p>I can guarantee you she’ll be holding this grudge for at least a few days. This is why I tend to avoid my mom when possible. I’m tired of having to rely on her for rides everywhere, and I can’t wait until I’m 16 (three more months) and can get my license. FINALLY.</p>

<p>End of rant right here. Sorry for the long post.</p>

3

<p>I haven’t gotten any tickets for the US Open and I really want to go but I only know like three people who even know what a forehand is and I doubt they’ll want to go.</p>

4

<p>wow, to be honest this has already gotten more views/replys than I thought it would :)</p>

<p>Keep em’ coming guys.</p>

<p>And that sucks akacesfan.</p>

5

<p>Same thing with my school! I was meant to be in AP Bio but was suddenly removed. Their excuse? Seniors get priority. Seriously?! Whatever, doesn’t matter anymore.
Also, I lived in china for my middle school and freshman year and was in an international, private school there. As this is my first time in the US, going to a New York public school was a big change! I had no idea what to do my sophomore year and couldn’t join any clubs. I had to take a freshman science class to get the credit because I wasn’t here in 9th grade. SO I am in Chem now (right level for my grade) but could’ve taken this last year and been in physics now! So mad about that. </p>

<p>Great thread, took out all my frustration haha</p>

6

<p>Haha glad to know I’m not alone on this! :)</p>

<p>Yeah honestly I really don’t agree with the idea of general ed courses in high school past say sophomore year maybe. It just seems that between giving certain kids priority over others, schedule changes, and required courses that some kids may or may not be interested in, the whole system seems flawed.</p>

<p>I guess you could argue that they are trying to broaden kids and expose them to knew ideas and concepts, but to me, the whole public school system in America just seems to cause more harm than good :/</p>

<p>Definietly can’t wait for college. And now very happy I got all that off my chest by making this thread :D</p>

<p>Keep em coming!</p>

7

<p>Why in God’s name would my school schedule AP classes during music classes when a majority of highly motivated students are also in the music program? It doesn’t make sense. I wanted to take AP Government and Politics, but its during my orchestra class which also happens to be during band and chorus. All of us music kids are infuriated and the AP Gov class will have about 9 people in it…</p>

8

<p>I’m in a similar situation right now. I’m going to a new school this year that has its own application process and since I applied late (actually my first application got lost in the mail) they put me on the wait list. I found out yesterday that they’ve taken me off the wait list so I went in to get my schedule made (I’m a Junior btw).</p>

<p>What I requested:
AP English
AP US History
AP Physics B
Pre-Cal
Chemistry (couldn’t take this last year because my schedule got screwed up from switching schools last summer too)
Spanish 3</p>

<p>What I ended up getting:
Contemporary Global Issues (Bleh. -__-)
AP US History (Thank God)
Non-AP English (RAAAAAAAAAGEEEEE)
Chemistry
Algebra 2 (they still haven’t gotten my transcript from the summer course I took…which I’m praying that they will accept :’( )
Spanish 3</p>

<p>So yeah…I’m pretty depressed right now. :(</p>

9

<p>I got locked out of my dream creative writing class and am now stuck in personal finance… grrr.
And I’m really, really scared I won’t get a school committee job (they’re staff-appointed), and I don’t see why I shouldn’t but my school is barmy so yeah… my friends seem to have been appointed already… pflub.</p>

10

<p>I got my job!!!</p>

11

<p>Haha something like this happened to me this week. I am so mad, glad you started this. I am a sophomore who took chem this summer at a private school. I go to public school in the Bay Area. I wanted to do AP Bio as my first choice and AP Chem as my second. They put me in Honors Chem. I went to the counselors. One told me they were out of space in both classes and I was on a wait list. One of my friends who took the chem class with me also had honors chem at the beginning of the year and recently got switched into AP Chem. Her class has 27 kids, and is 2nd period. I have 2nd period math, and I know for a fact there is a math class that has 26 kids the period i currently have honors chem. Then, I talked to a different counselor, who told me they hadn’t started changing sophomore schedules yet, which I know isn’t true because my friend already got switched. The counselors don’t communicate with each other at all. So frustrating. Worst thing is, I’m not the only kid like this. One of my best friends and many other people I know are also on this “wait list”. And wow you go to school in San Jose! So close! Haha sorry I always like knowing there’s people on cc that actually live around here. And also, it’s too late now to register for a class at our local community college since their fall semester started on August 17. If they had told us earlier that we weren’t gonna get in, I would have dropped honors chem and taken AP Bio there and that way I wouldn’t have had to take an extra class, which would have meant one extra hour of sleep in the morning (might not sound like a lot, but it’s a lot to me with my other 2 AP classes). God, I’m so mad right now.</p>

12

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</p>

<p>this sounds like a beautiful class, I want it.
(well, I have my world lit class, so i’m okay)</p>

<p>okay, so I have a rant for you guys;</p>

<p>today I started my new job. i’m working after-school at the youth center at a program for middle school kids, where they can come after school, hang out, relax, and whatnot. it’s their center, their space, and I do stuff with them. it’s totally free for the kids, and I made the mistake of mentioning that at dinner when I told my parents about the job. my brother is going to be in 6th grade (so going into middle school here) and one of his friends is going. naturally, my mother wants to sign him up.</p>

<p>just no, god no. my brother and I are like oil and water. he has no respect for my authority whatsoever, and i’m SUPPOSED to have authority over him, because it’s what we decided (since i’m home the most, my dad is too busy working and so is my mom so i’m in charge). my brother can’t even do simple things like get food for himself. it’s always been frustrating for me to be stuck at home, and I relish any time I can get away from him. but my mom wants to send him here, and at my job i’m supposed to be responsible for the kids. if something is getting out of hand, a kid’s swearing, i’m supposed to say something about it. and if I had to say something to my brother, he’d be like “you’re not the boss, shut up”. it would be absolutely humiliating for me if that happened, because it would show that I have no authority. plus, for the love of god, i’m almost 18, I need to have a life separate from my family. i’m a recluse because they need me, and I love them dearly, but I want to keep my work life separate from the circus/trainwreck that is my home life. I begged my mom to reconsider and she said “i’ll tell him he has to behave” and that the first time he acts up he can’t go back, but I already know that’s a lie. and she yelled at me about how i’m so pessimistic about it already, but I already know how it’s going to end up, the same like it does every other time.</p>

13

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<p>Lol, I told my best friend from my old high school that I had a class like that and she was pretty jealous. She dreams of being a diplomat or something of that sort. I’m personally more of a science oriented person, but I do like social studies classes…just not ones dealing with current events. I find things like ancient history to be more interesting. :D</p>

<p>Oh and it sucks about your brother. :frowning: Maybe you could find a way to bribe him into behaving? ;)</p>

14

<p>nah, he just doesn’t listen to me.</p>

<p>here is how our conversations have been this morning;
/me wakes up
me: good morning
him: yo</p>

<p>…</p>

<br>

<br>

15

<p>:eek:</p>

<p>Maybe he’ll come to respect you as he gets older? :o</p>

16

<p>Failed an Algebra II/trig quiz (math is my worst subjsect). I have bad anxiety and start to cry with bad grades. AP Environmental started out with 3 practice FRQs in a row. The teacher game me a 3/10 on it (it wasn’t for a grade though) I am the most hardworking and diligent student, so I was ****ed. So much pressure for me to be valedictorian, I’m so fed up. Volleyball is my passion and we’ve lost 3/4 games. The coach sat me out for 2 sets when I am the best hitter. I have play practice after the game and have to deal with annoying little kids in the city theater program. So much stress since I am Alice in Alice in wonderland. </p>

<p>And on top of all that…A BAD HAIR DAY</p>

17

<p>My rude Asian relatives are over. THEY WON’T STOP COMMENTING ON MY WEIGHT AND MY BODY. They can’t get over the fact that I’m 10 pounds heavier than my twin sister, although still skinny by American health standards.</p>

<p>(we are walking up the steps to my house, right after I’ve shown them what you do in colorguard.)
Me: Blah blah blah…
98: Blah blah blah…
Rude Asian Relative #1: Fas, how much more do you weigh than 98?</p>

<p>Me: (is handed atrocious plaid sundress as a gift) 98, go try it on.
98: No! (recoils) You do it!
Me: No!
Rude Asian Relative #2: Fas, you go try it on. Since you’re BIGGER than your twin.</p>

<p>Rude Asian Relative #1: Fas has such broad shoulders. She looks like she could be a swimmer.</p>

<p>And this has all happened over the course of an hour.</p>

<p>It’s my body you idiots stop commenting on it!! I’m right there, you know. I can hear what you’re saying. Stop being so rude and gain a sense of tact.</p>

18

<p>

</p>

<p>/raises hand
hi this is me. always.</p>

<p>and maybe my brother will respect me someday, or at least act decently to me. hopefully he’ll grow out of it but he’s almost 12, so…</p>

19

<p>@Elleya: I’m so glad all my brothers are older than me! :open_mouth: Anyways, I always ask to go to the bathroom after I get a bad grade. I have to go calm myself down.</p>